Sweet Summer Sundresses for Under $30!

June 10, 2010 By dena

It’s summer time, and it’s finally time to put away the sweaters, flannels, and corduroys. It’s the weekend, you want to get some sun, and you want to wear something breezy, pretty, and comfy… like a colorful little sundress that’s bright and airy! But if you are pregnant, you may discover one problem… you don’t have any that still fit you!

Never fear! There are lots of them out there, and here are some of summer’s sweetest sundresses for UNDER $30!

Old Navy: Crinkled gauze fabric, breezy style, and adjustable straps. $29.50

Kiki’s Fashions: Lots and lots of adorable dresses, all under $50! Yellow & white print dress $28.99, Pink plaid dress $27.99

Motherhood Maternity: Soft jersey knit, smocked, spaghetti straps. $19.98

Old Navy: Soft gauze, crochet trim, graceful tiered hemline. $29.50

More Good News on Vitamin D & Pregnancy

May 10, 2010 By dena

How much Vitamin D does a pregnant woman need? According to a new study high doses of Vitamin D– 4,000 international units (IU) per day– are best. Research shows that it may reduce the risks of preterm labor, gestational diabetes, pregnancy-related high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and infection.

The more the better?

Although this is at least 10 times the amount recommended by various health groups, women in the study showed no evidence of harm. On the contrary, they had half the rate of pregnancy-related complications as women who took only 400 IU every day. (For reference, most prenatal vitamins contain 400 IU of vitamin D.)

Controversial findings

Why are these findings so controversial? Until now, very high doses of vitamin D have long been believed to cause birth defects. But neonatologist and study co-researcher Carol L. Wagner, MD, says that there is no evidence that vitamin D supplementation is toxic, even at levels above 10,000 IU.

Wagner says it took months to get permission to do this study, in which pregnant women were given such high doses of the vitamin. About 500 women in Charleston, S.C., in their third or fourth months of pregnancy, took 400 IU, 2,000 IU, or 4,000 IU of vitamin D daily until they delivered. The women who took the highest doses had the lowest rate of pregnancy-related complications.

Vitamin D Sources

You can get vitamin D from some foods, like fortified milk and fatty fish, but few people get the vitamin D they need through food. The body makes vitamin D from sunlight, but even in sunny climates like Charleston, few people are getting adequate levels of sun exposure.

Babies need vitamin D, too

Breastfed babies whose mothers have low vitamin D levels and who don’t take vitamin supplements are likely to be deficient, too. Vitamin D drops are likely to be prescribed. But not surprisingly, pregnant women who take high doses of vitamin D give birth to babies who are less likely to be vitamin D deficient.

Feature image from Kristi Cares: The Kristina A. Stockley Melanoma Foundation

Umbilical Hernia during Pregnancy

May 5, 2010 By dena

During pregnancy, you can usually expect your belly button to flatten out and protrude somewhat more than usual. But sometimes this protruding navel is actually an “umbilical hernia,” a condition that is rarely serious and usually resolves on its own after birth.

What Causes an Umbilical Hernia:

Dr. Gerard M. DiLea, obstetrician-gynecologist and author of The Anxious Parents’ Guide to Pregnancy, explains (BabyZone) that to some extent, everyone has an umbilical hernia! As a fetus develops, there’s a hole in the main supporting layer of the abdomen, allowing the blood vessels of the umbilical cord to go in and out. This small opening sometimes remains after birth. For some people the opening can become larger due to increased abdominal pressure (like a chronic cough or, in our case, pregnancy.) Part of the small intestine passes through this hole causing a hernia.

Symptoms of an Umbilical Hernia

Tenderness around your belly button, especially during coughing or after straining (lifting and carrying around your toddler, for example), may indicate that you have an umbilical hernia. Sometimes you can feel or see a protrusion right near the belly button that you can actually push back in.

Will I Need Surgery?

In most cases, an umbilical hernia does not need surgery. But sometimes a complication called incarceration develops, where organ tissues or intestines are trapped, cutting off their blood supply. The hernia will be painful. When this happens, a hernia surgery is required to repair the damage. If you suspect that your hernia is causing strangulation, you should see your doctor immediately, because if not corrected, an incarcerated hernia is very dangerous. Look out for symptoms such as swelling, pain, or discoloration.

The surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure, under general anesthesia, and is a low-risk operation.

feature photo from health.com

Your First Prenatal Visit

May 3, 2010 By dena

Missed a period? Feeling nauseous? Taken a pregnancy test that showed positive? You’re probably feeling excited and a little anxious too, so if you want to know what to expect during the first steps of your journey through pregnancy, we can fill you in!

When to Schedule Your First Appointment

It’s best to call your doctor or midwife as soon as you find out you are pregnant. If you’re feeling good, your caretaker probably won’t schedule a visit before you’re 8 weeks pregnant. But if you are experiencing any pain, severe nausea or vomiting, or vaginal bleeding, you need to let him/her know so they can see you right away. If you have a medical condition, are taking any medications, or have had pregnancy-related problems in the past, they will probably want to see your sooner as well.

What to Expect at your First Appointment

The first visit is often the longest one, as your doctor wants to make sure all is well, and let you know what else

Determine your due date: This is often calculated based on the first day of your last period, so it helps if you can recall the date. The date can also be estimated using an early ultrasound of the fetus.

Take your health history: Your doctor will ask questions about your general health, chronic conditions and gynecological issues you may have, medications you take, regularity of your menstrual cycle, and details about previous pregnancies. She’ll also ask about your family’s medical history, health habits, drug allergies, surgeries, hospitalizations, and whether you have been the victim of abuse. She will also inquire about the medical history of the baby’s father and his family.

Discuss Options for Genetic Testing: There are a number of different screening tests that done to determine your baby’s risk for birth defects, chromosomal problems, and Down syndrome.

First trimester combined screening: This consists of a blood test and, if available in your area, an ultrasound called a nuchal translucency screening. It is done between 9 and 13 weeks. This screening assess your baby’s risk of having Down syndrome and some other chromosomal abnormalities as well as major congenital heart problems.

Multiple marker screening is a blood test done between 15 and 20 weeks. It screens for Down syndrome and trisomy 18, which are chromosomal abnormalities, and neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

Carrier screening: These tests are done depending on your ethnic background and medical history, in order to see if your baby is at risk for certain genetic disorders such as Tay-Sachs disease, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, or thalassemia.

Genetic diagnostic tests include chorionic villus sampling (CVS), generally done at 11 to 12 weeks, and amniocentesis, usually done at 16 to 20 weeks. These tests can tell you for sure whether your baby has Down syndrome or certain other problems. These tests are usually administered only if there is a strong risk of chromosomal problems, after the results of the screening tests are known. They are invasive and carry a risk of miscarriage.

Physical exam: Your doctor may give you a thorough physical, including a pelvic exam, a Pap smear (if you haven’t had one recently), and sometimes a culture to check for chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Blood tests are done to identify your blood type, Rh status, and to check for anemia. The lab is also looking out for syphilis, hepatitis B, and immunity to rubella (German measles). It’s also recommended that pregnant women be tested for HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) at their first prenatal visit. Being treated for AIDS during pregnancy is very important for reducing the likelihood of passing the infection to your baby.

Urine sample tests for urinary tract infections and other things.

Counsel: Your doctor should give you advice about proper nutrition, exercise, weight gain, common discomforts of early pregnancy, and symptoms that require immediate attention. She’ll remind you about the dangers of smoking, alcohol, drugs, and certain medications. If you are feeling anxious or depressed she can refer you to someone who can help with your emotional health. If you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to share them with your doctor. Don’t worry, she’s heard and seen in all!

feature image from Rest Assured

Pregnancy Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

April 27, 2010 By dena

Aches and pains, weird skin conditions, fatigue and mood swings are all part of a normal pregnancy. But sometimes you may experience something that could be a potentially serious warning sign. Most women don’t want to bother their doctor over every tiny thing, so how do you know what warrants immediate attention and what can wait until your next doctor’s visit?

WebMD consulted the experts, who say you’re always better safe than sorry. If you are concerned that something is not normal, call your doctor. And every pregnant woman should be aware that there are some symptoms during pregnancy that need immediate attention.

WebMD presents the seven top signs of a potentially serious pregnancy complication:

1. Bleeding During Any Trimester

Bleeding during pregnancy is serious and always needs to be evaluated immediately. Call your doctor or go to the emergency room. Some serious causes for bleeding include:

First trimester: Heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, menstrual-like cramps, and feeling like you might faint could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. This happens when a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus, and it can be life-threatening.

First and second trimester: Heavy bleeding with cramping could also be a sign of miscarriage.

Third trimester: Bleeding and abdominal pain may indicate placental abruption, which occurs when the placenta separates from the uterine lining.

2. Severe Nausea and Vomiting

If it gets to the point where you can’t keep anything down, you are at risk of becoming dehydrated and malnourished, which can cause serious complications ranging from birth defects to premature labor. Proper nutrition is very important for you and your baby. Your doctors can prescribe safe medications for controlling nausea, and may also advise some dietary changes to help you find food you can keep down.

3. Baby’s Activity Level Decreases Significantly

What does it mean if your previously active baby is not moving as much as it used to? It is possible that he is not getting enough oxygen and nutrients from the placenta. To find out if there really is a problem, eat something or take a cold drink. Then lie on your side to see if this gets the baby moving.

You can also count kicks, although “There is no optimal or critical number of movements.” As a general guideline, you should count at least 10 kicks in two hours. Anything less, call your doctor as soon as possible.

4. Early Contractions

Contractions could indicate preterm labor. First-time mothers may be confused by real labor and Braxton-Hicks contractions, which are false labor pains. Braxton-Hicks are unpredictable and do not increase in intensity. They generally subside in an hour, with activity, or after drinking. On the other hand, regular contractions start off about 10 minutes apart, and over time increase in intensity while becoming closer together.

If you are feeling contractions and don’t know what they are, don’t take a chance! If it is too early for the baby to be born, your doctor has ways to stop labor.

5. Your Water Breaks

Sometimes water breaking is a dramatic gush of liquid, but other times it’s just a subtle trickle. Then again, it could be urine leakage due to increased pressure on your bladder. One way to tell is to go to the bathroom and empty your bladder. If the fluid keeps coming , then your water has broken… time to call your doctor or go to the hospital!

6. Severe Headache, Abdominal Pain, Visual Disturbances, and Swelling

These are all symptoms of preeclampsia, a serious and potentially fatal condition. Other signs of preeclampsia are high blood pressure and excess protein in your urine. It usually occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy. You need to call your doctor and get your blood pressure tested. With good prenatal care, you can catch and treat preeclampsia early.

7. Flu Symptoms

Pregnancy puts added stress on the immune system, so pregnant women are more likely to catch the flu when it’s going around. They are also at a higher risk for more serious flu complications.

Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. If you think you’ve got the flu, call your doctor first instead of rushing into his office where you could spread it to other pregnant women.

Something else to be aware of is that a fever greater than 101.4 degrees could indicate an infection. So even if you don’t have the flu, you should call your doctor so he can evaluate your condition.

For more information on health and pregnancy, visit WebMD

feature image from US Moms Today

The Truth about Celebs’ Post-Baby Bodies

April 19, 2010 By dena

Have you noticed the new “trend” of famous new mom’s flaunting their flat stomachs just weeks and months after giving birth? iVillage calls attention to a gorgeous Kourtney Kardashian in a red bikini on the cover of Life & Style Weekly, with not a stretch mark or love handle in sight (although the post-pregnancy bosom is most definitely there)!

Before that there was bikini-clad Kendra Wilkinson, who graced the cover of OK! in February, just eight weeks after giving birth to her son. And last May, Elisabeth Hasselbeck posed for the cover of Fitness, with baby Taylor only 6 months old. And famous octo-mom Nadya Suleman posed for the cover of Star in January one year after giving birth to her crew.
Pregnancy and weight loss are two topics that are sure to sell magazines, but as iVillage puts it, “There are so many things sadistically wrong with our post-baby celebrity body obsession.” You can probably figure out what the problems are yourself, but here’s what iVillage has to say about it:

The magazines are misleading

Kardashian’s cover reads “How I lost 33 pounds! My super-fast weight loss, flat stomach in days, new secret slim-down shake.” Just whip up your own slim-down shake, curl up with their magazine, and your pregnancy weight will disappear too! (We won’t mention the fact that you don’t have a private trainer, personal nutritionist, full-time nanny or cosmetic surgeon like she does.)

Some celebrity moms are lying too…

Octomom’s bikini cover reads, “No nips, no tucks, no lipo.” While it is technically possible that she dropped 150-ish pounds without surgery, you can’t get rid of that much stretched out skin with exercise alone.

Photoshop works miracles!

We all know that magazines retouch all their photos. Bye-bye stretch marks and love handles! Take a look at this altered cover image of Kardashian for evidence of how far digital “shaping” goes. Thankfully, she objected to it!

(photo credit and story here)

Not the role models we need!

You know what your priority should be after you have a baby? Your baby. Not weight loss, calorie intake, or how you look in a bikini. The newborn period is so short, and before you know it this sweet, tiny little creature will be… well, not newborns anymore. Take time to bond with your baby and take care of yourself, too. That means eating hearty, healthy meals, getting enough sleep, and ignoring the pressure to looking perfect again.

Now here’s a photo we can all be comfortable with… Halle Berry, post baby, out shopping as happy as can be (note: not exercising!) and feeling comfortable in her own skin. She looks great, and that baby belly– well that’s pretty much what any normal postpartum mom looks like! It’s an old picture, but I’m liking it! ( photo source)

Save Thousands on your New Baby

April 12, 2010 By dena

If you haven’t already realized it, babies can be expensive little bundles of joy! Sandy Jones and Marcie Jones, authors of Great Expectations: Best Baby Gear, estimate that your new baby can cost you anywhere from $9,000 and $12,000 during pregnancy and the first year of life. Here are some of their money-saving tips (via baby zone) for saving thousands of dollars on your new-baby costs.

Car Seats & Strollers

Convertable car seat: Buy a “convertible” car seat, instead of an infant car seat. While the infant car seats (for smaller babies only) are handy because you can transfer the baby from the car to the stroller to the house without waking her, a convertible seat will last you longer, until baby is 40+ pounds.

Infant car seat: If you do buy an infant car seat, you don’t need to buy the whole expensive “travel system,” including stroller, that goes with it. You can simply buy a generic “snap n go” that is made to accommodate that type of car seat.

Stroller: When looking for a stroller, you may think that the more expensive models are somehow of better quality. Instead, look at the lower end of a respected brand (such as Graco, Kolcraft, or Cosco). Look for something lightweight, that reclines, that can handle a bumpy road. Purchase extra accessories as you need them.

Free car seat: Some community organizations, car dealerships, and muffler companies offer free loaner car seats.

Feeding Baby

Breastfeed: If you decide to breastfeed, not only are you providing your baby with the optimal baby food, you can also save $2,000 a year, just in the cost of formula and bottles. (This amount increases a few thousand more if your baby is allergic to infant formula and requires hypoallergenic versions.) And if that’s not enough, you’ll also be reducing your baby’s chances of obesity, digestive issues, juvenile diabetes, cavities, and even needing braces later on! (Learn more about breastfeeding benefits.)

Breast pumps: Do you really need a breast pump? If you are going to be home with your baby, let him do all the pumping himself! If think you need a pump, you can temporarily rent a highly efficient, hospital-grade pump until you’re sure you really need to own your own pump. And if you decide to buy one, a good breast pump can be yours for under $200.

Bottles: It’s much cheaper to use reusable bottles and just wash them after use, than buying the more convenient disposable bottles. Buy bottles made of non-polycarbonate material with smooth sides that are easy to clean.

Baby Food: When you’re baby is old enough for mashed fruits and veges, you can easily make your own… it’s not rocket science! All you need to do is mash up a banana or a sweet potato, open a jar of unsweetened applesauce, or throw some cooked veggies in the blender!

Baby Clothes & Diapers

Cash in: You’re likely to get a few baby gifts that you don’t really want or need. Instead of storing them away somewhere, return them for cash, sell them at a consignment shop or on eBay, or exchange them for goods you really need.

Shop for comfort: Miniature designer jeans and expensive sundresses are certainly adorable, but there’s nothing like good old-fashioned cotton tee shirts, gowns, and footed sleepers. They’ll cost you much less and are also a lot more comfy for baby!

Buy them big: Babies outgrow their clothes very fast! Buy new outfits with room to grow in so you’ll get more use out of them.

Beg and borrow: Even better than inexpensive t-shirts and onesies, borrow a box of you’re friend’s outgrown baby clothes! And if they are not planning on having any more babies, they may be happy to give them away to a “good cause!”

Diapers: Stock up on disposable diapers—buy them by the case from giant warehouse chains.

Wash wisely: Special baby detergents are expensive, and the powdered type can clog up fabrics, making them less absorbent. If you are worried about irritating your baby’s skin, use a liquid, fragrance-free detergent

instead, and avoid fabric softeners.

Baby Gear

Diaper bag: You’ll definitely need something for the extra paraphernalia you’ll be shlepping around now (diapers, wipes, extra clothes, diaper cream, pacifiers, etc!)… But no need to waste money buying something new when you probably have a nice, roomy bag or backpack that will work just fine. Folding diaper pads and clear plastic pouches will turn any over-the shoulder satchel into a convenient diaper bag.

Crib: Don’t fall for the fancy cribs that double as desks or love seats. All you need for the first couple years is a simple crib with one side that lowers. Later on, you can use the same mattress in a toddler bed frame, if you choose.

Mattress: Go with a firm foam mattress, which works just fine and will save you hundreds of dollars over a 750-coil Baby Beauty mattress with a lifetime guarantee.

Furniture: It’s tempting to buy nursery furniture that matches the crib, but these pieces are often overpriced and of lower quality. Instead, shop in antique malls and thrift stores to find a quality chest that you can adapt for your baby’s room. (Safety note: Change protruding knobs to flat handles. Install drawer stops, and the chest should be attached to the wall with L shaped brackets to keep it from falling over when your toddler starts testing his climbing skill on the open drawers.)

Diaper station: Use the chest or dresser top as a changing station. Just purchase an inexpensive cushioned diaper-changing pads with raised sides, and be sure to firmly attach the pad to the chest using the provided screws.

Booster seat: Instead of a high chair, using a booster seat will save you space and money! You just strap the booster onto one of your kitchen chairs. Some come with removable trays, so you can put baby’s food on the tray or just scoot him up to the table and let him join the family.

Baby toys: Toy manufacturers entice you with promises to teach, entertain, enhance, and stimulate your little one in lots of different ways. But the truth is that babies have a very limited attention span, and the best type of multi-sensory stimulation can be provided by you when you walk, talk, sing, and play with them.

Baby Gate: Try a pet gate, usually manufactured by the same companies! As a bonus, the pet gate may be higher, a good thing if your child is a climber. Just make sure the gate’s mesh can’t be scaled by small feet!

Diaper disposal: Diaper-disposal systems are designed to seal off diapers so they won’t smell. But a regular kitchen-sized trash bin will work just as well, especially if you tie stinky diapers in a plastic bag before tossing.

More Misc. Tips

Family Doctor: If pediatrician fees are higher than you’d like them to be, try visiting a family physician. They are trained to treat the entire family, including infants!

Coupons: Get on lists that will send you money-saving coupons for diapers and formula. Check out baby clubs sponsored by drugstores and supermarkets, manufacturers’ web sites, and Internet coupon sites.

Baby Fairs: Manufacturers’ sales reps don’t want to have to pay shipping to send their products back to the warehouse. So you may be able to strike a deal to buy their display products at big savings!

More: For more tips, get Great Expectations: Best Baby Gear by mother-daughter team Sandy Jones and Marcie Jones! Or visit Baby Zone for advice on being a smart consumer when you’re shopping for your family.

Reflexology & Acupressure to Induce Labor

March 24, 2010 By dena

There’s no reason to worry if your pregnancy progresses past 40 weeks, but it may make you antsy to give birth already! In addition to that, if you are nearing 42 weeks and your doctor starts talking about an induction, you may want to do something to start your labor naturally.

Reflexology and acupressure are both safe and often effective means of stimulating labor. They are similar in that they both work by applying pressure to certain points on the body. Acupressure involves the whole body, while reflexology focuses on the feet, hands, and ears (primarily feet). Additionally, they are based on different concepts of energy flow throughout the body.

Precautions

The following pressure points should not be accessed before you reach your 40th week of pregnancy.
Always check with your doctor or midwife before doing anything to stimulate contractions
Pressure points may feel tender, but it should not hurt you. If you feel pain, reduce pressure and make sure you have the right spot!
If a contraction starts, stop the pressure and wait until the contraction ends. Then you can apply pressure again.

Reflexology Points

Thumb Point: Press firmly on the center of your thumb for a few minutes, then switch to the other thumb. This is one of the most effective points used in reflexology for inducing labor. It stimulates the pituitary gland to release oxytocin, one of the main hormones that causes the uterus to contract.

Arch of Foot: This point is located inside the arch of the foot, just in front of the heel. Apply firm pressure, but not so hard that it causes pain. This point is also very helpful in relieving intense pain during childbirth.

Inside Heel: Apply pressure to the point just inside the heel of the foot, aligned with your ankle. If it feels tender you’ve found the right spot.

Between Toes: Apply pressure one finger’s-length below the point between the big toe and the second toe. This point will also be tender when you find it.

Acupressure Points

Webbing between your thumb and forefinger. Press or massage the top of this webbing. This point affects the large intestine which surrounds a portion of the uterus, stimulating contractions.

Shoulder muscle. Press and massage the highest point of your shoulder muscle.

Inside ankle. Find the point four finger’s-width above the inside of your ankle. Apply pressure; it helps ripen the cervix and strengthen weak contractions.

Outside ankle. To help the baby descend toward the pelvis, put pressure on the point between your ankle bone (outer ankle) and Achilles tendon (which runs up the back of your leg).

Lower back. This point is actually located one finger’s-width above your buttocks crease. Feel for a small indentation and massage for a minute.

Roof of Mouth. Using your tongue, press on the roof of your mouth with your tongue as far back as you can. This is a handy one you can use as you go about your daily routine!

feature image from holistic therapy room

The Mask of Pregnancy

March 7, 2010 By dena

You wake up one morning, look in the mirror, and do a double take. “When did these dark patches appear under my eyes? And is my forehead getting blotchy too? I look like a raccoon! What is going on?”

If something like this has happened to you, you’re not alone, and it’s actually quite normal. These skin changes did not happen overnight, although you may notice them all of the sudden on morning. The American Academy of Dermatology says that about 70 percent of pregnant women develop these blotchy areas of darkened skin. It’s called chloasma or melasma, but is also known as “the mask of pregnancy” (sounds more romantic than it is!).

The blotchy areas usually appear around your nose, cheekbones, and forehead (hence the name Mask of Pregnancy). They may also show up on your upper lip, cheeks, and jawline. Some women also develop dark patches on other body parts that are exposed to the sun. You may also notice areas of skin that are naturally darker (nipples, freckles, genitals) — becomes even darker during pregnancy. Some women notice a darkened line, called the linea nigra, running from their belly button downward.

Why does it happen?

You guessed it– it’s those lovely hormones at work again! During pregnancy, hormonal changes cause a temporary increase in your body’s production of melanin, the chemical that gives color to hair, skin, and eyes.

Women with darker skin are more likely that lighter-skinned women to get melasma. This “mask” may become more pronounced with each pregnancy.

Will it go away?

The good news is that these darkened areas will probably fade within a few months after delivery. In some cases it never completely disapears, but for many women their skin will return to its normal shade.

Can I prevent it?

Although this skin pigmentation usually disappear on its own after delivery, there are some things you can do to minimize the splotchy factor:

Stay out of the sun and avoid tanning salons. Cover up or use sunblock if you’ll be out in the sun. More pigment is created when skin is exposed to sunlight.
Use gentle cleansers and lotions. Irritating products can worsen the condition.
Use concealer! When all else fails, there’s always the make-up bag.
After birth: Continue to protect sensitive areas from the sun. Certain contraceptives containing estrogen may also cause melasma.

feature image from The Daily Green

Reasons They Won’t Give You an Epidural

March 1, 2010 By dena

Many women out there love their epidural! Epidural anesthesia uses an injection of drugs into the epidural space in your lower spine. An epidural works by blocking the transmission of nervous system signals to your brain, thereby limiting or suppressing your feelings of pain.

Epidural anesthesia has become the most common form of pain medication for labor and birth, but it’s not for everyone. Here are some common reasons an epidural might not be right for you:

Your Body Type: Sometimes, the doctor has no easy access to the epidural space. Factors that might make it difficult to find the right spot include obesity, scoliosis, scar tissue, unusual spinal archtecture or previous surgeries.
Drug interactions: Some medications, such as blood thinners, can make an epidural risky or ineffective.
Existing health issues: If you have a low platelet count, or other blood disorders, there is an increased risk of internal bleeding in the spine.
Timing: In some hospitals, anesthesiologists are available only at certain hours of the day, or certain days of the week. They may simply be busy and unavailable. Also, if you come into the hospital in advanced labor, or with a very quick labor, there might not be time to get an epidural in place.
Infection: If you have an infection on your back, you definitely don’t want your anesthesiologist putting a needle through that area. It might cause the infection to spread to the spine and other areas of your body, which could lead to major problems.
Heavy bleeding or shock: Often, having an epidural lowers blood pressure. Therefor, if you are bleeding heavily or are suffering from shock, your already lowered blood pressure can make the situation even more dangerous.
Hospital restrictions: Some hospitals have policies about when you can have an epidural. Some stipulate that you must be at a certain point in labor (for example, four centimeters dilated) before an epidural can be given. Others may decide that epidural should not be given after a certain point of labor (for example when you’ve reached full dilation).

Source: About.com

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